Suarez banned for Fulham gesture

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been handed a one-match ban for making an offensive gesture towards Fulham fans earlier this month.

Suarez admitted the charge against him after being pictured giving Fulham supporters an offensive one-fingered gesture in the 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

The Uruguay international also received a fine of 20,000 pounds from the Football Association for the indiscretion.

The suspension will see Suarez sidelined for Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United at Anfield on Friday.

Suarez is also facing an eight-match ban from the FA after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, a charge which he is expected to appeal.

Liverpool have also been fined 20,000 pounds for failing to control their players after the sending off of midfielder Jay Spearing in the Fulham match.

A statement on the FA’s official website read: “Liverpool Football Club have been fined 20,000 pounds by The FA and warned as to their future conduct for failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the league fixture at Fulham on 5 December 2011.”

“Liverpool player Luis Suarez will begin a one match suspension with immediate effect after he admitted an FA charge of improper conduct in relation to the same game.”

“Suarez was also fined 20,000 pounds and warned as to his future conduct following a gesture he made towards the Fulham fans at the end of the fixture.”